Folk Art Antiquities
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
Arma Christi Calvary, France 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb and rare Arma Christi calvary, popular work, France end of the 19th century. Beautifully executed work.
Fair condition. Several small misses and ancient restaurations. Seen ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian 19th Century Folk Art Wood Grain Shovel
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This charming folk art shovel is all wood. The patina on this 19th Century piece is incredible and would make a wonderful wall ornament. This shovel would also be impressive added ...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Wrought iron candlestick or cellar rat, Normandy, France, early 20th century.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Wrought iron candlestick or cellar rat, Normandy, France, early 20th century. Worn but in good and complete condition. Superb piece of folk art.
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Steel
19th Century Folk Art Rocking Horse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique Folk Art painted and decorated rocking horse. In antique condition with splits and repairs, pictured. Dimensions: 37.5"H x 54"W x 11"D. Ask us about our local NYC delivery.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
Located in London, GB
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
An unusual object in the form of a late 18th Century wrought iron door knocker in the shape of a serpent.
Dimensions in inches: H 16” x W 1.5” x...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wrought Iron
Unusual Tramp Art / Folk Art Wood and Stone Clock, sculpture. cabinet.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Tramp Art / Folk Art Wood and Stone (granite) Clock, sculpture. cabinet.. Amazing decorative item.Antique hand crafted,Stone ,granite cylinders,
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stone, Granite
Antique Danish Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift Painted Wood, Horse Handle, 1803
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Antique Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1803.
It is made from oak wood which is hand carved with a rich decoration of geometric blossoms. Painted in the colou...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
H67cm Swedish Horse, handmade folk craft circa 1800, highly decorative element
Located in Forest, BE
Big Swedish horse from the early 19th century. Made of pine wood with the famous red paint. It is worn but in a very nice way. The patina shows the trace of time. There's a whole on ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Brazilian Wai Wai Tribal Cassava Graters Circa 1945
Located in Dallas, TX
Brazilian Wei Wei Casava Graters
Two graters constructed of wood and sharpened rock used by the Wai Wai Indigenous tribe of Northern Brazil to process raw Cas...
Category
1940s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Folk art side tables
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great pair of vintage craftsman made side table. These tables are estimated to be roughly 50 years old and will go nicely with any decor you choose t...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Danish Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift Painted Wood with Horse Handle
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Antique Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) from ca. 1800 to 1850.
It is made from oak wood which is hand carved with a rich decoration with geometric blossoms and lots...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Fantastic American Paint Decorated Folk Art Cutlery Tray - Circa 1845
Located in Atlanta, GA
American, circa 1845.
One of the finest quality folk art cutlery trays on the market. Not only does this piece have its original robin's egg blue paint to...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine, Paint
1930s Architectural Model, 'Doll House', Modernist Adobe Home, Interior Lighting
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Architectural Model, possibly a hand made doll house? Modernist Adobe Home. Amazing design, proportion. Color, patina, surface. Very detailed. Removable exterior walls, working light fixtures in each room as well as outdoor porch light.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stucco, Wood
Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift with Horse Dated 1814
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1814.
It is made from oak wood which is hand carved and richly decorated abstract geometric flowers and branches with leaves a...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique & Important Dutch Hindeloopen Hand Painted Folk Art Tea Bucket w. Liner
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted, rare and important 'tea bucket', early 1800s.
For a museum quality, ultra rare and pure Dutch Folk Art antique from the early to mid 1800s there is always room in your home or collection. This marvelous and all handcrafted tea-bucket is also hand-painted and the antique decor all around could not be more Dutch (in general) and it could not be more pure Hindeloopen in particular. On the one side are the farmhouse with the adjacent hay barn, the trees and the windmill and on the other side are the typical Dutch, wooden flat bottom boats that many who have been to Holland must have seen and will never forget. Because of the paintings too this Hindeloopen antique is important, because the hand-painted scenes not only epitomize the 'soul and cultural history of Holland', the fertile land and the adjacent seas have also made it possible for us to transport our goods and do business all over the world from very early on. When this so called tea-bucket was hand-crafted some 200 years ago, Hindeloopen was a village on the coast...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Rare and Antique Mexican Carousel Horse
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1920. We offer this wonderfully charming Carousel Horse from Mexico. Handmade caved from wood with fabulous patina.
Category
1910s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art Root Basket, Sweden 19th century
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Introducing a remarkable piece of history that transcends time - the exquisite Swedish 19th century root basket. Most likely made of birch root. Immerse yourself in the rich craftsma...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Birch
Vintage Handmade Advertising Tire Iconic Bibendum Michelin Man
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Vintage Handmade Advertising Tire Iconic Bibendum Michelin Man.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Resin
19th Century Hand Written Persian Book
Located in London, GB
19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith
Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...
Category
1850s Unknown Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Paper
Huge Folk/Tramp Art Side/End Table Box on Legs
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is the largest piece of chip carved tramp art I have ever had! It would definitely work as a side or end table and would be a great addition to anyone's collection. Tramp art wa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Blu Floral Painted Wall Frieze, 1810 circa
Located in Albignasego, IT
Original Tyrolean wall painted frieze, hand decorated.
Measures: H. 63 cm, W. 27 cm, D. 2.5 cm
Tyrolean frieze in carved and hand painted wood. On an aquamarine background we find a garland of roses that frames the inscription Maria (Mother Mary in ancient Latin), then a pair of colorful birds that symbolize good luck on a bouquet of yellow flowers.
This particular accessory can have various uses; from a pure decorative element, to be hung or placed on a wall, it can also be customized with antique metal hooks...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Fir
19th c. American Folk Tramp Art Crown of Thorns Cross in a Large Scale
Located in Savannah, GA
This late 19th century large scale American Folk "Tramp" Art double sided "Crown of Thorns" cross is made up of thousands of carved and joined pieces, held together with the joinery ...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Ivory Coast Tribal Ritual and Festival Mask from the Dan Tribe
Located in Monrovia, CA
Hand Carved Ivory Coast Tribal Ritual and Festival Mask From The Dan Tribe.
Antique "Dan Tribe" Tribal Mask Originally from Ivory Coast.
Carved T...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Mosaic Bottle
Located in Garnerville, NY
A beautiful and complex folk art mosaic bottle. Clear glass milk bottle that is covered in countless fragments, broken porcelain, jewelry, Bakelite, g...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
18th Century Primitive Folk Art Baroque Era Unique Pine Cabinet Chimney Cupboard
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning sculptural piece of furniture, a rustic wabi sabi folk art primitive cabinet, "chimney cupboard", from the 18th century.
One of a kind antique rustic piece with loads of...
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Wine Bottle Carrier, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Wine Bottle Carrier, France, early 20th century. A zinc carrier to hold 6 wine bottles.
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Zinc
Set of Three Big Swedish Root Baskets
Located in Farsta, SE
A set of three big swedish root baskets.
Made out of pine roots and spruce, circa 1750-1890
Biggest basket:
height: 22,5 cm
diameter: 48 cm
Mediu...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Arma Christi Calvary, France 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb and rare Arma Christi calvary, popular work, France end of the 19th century. Beautifully executed work.
Fair condition. Several small misses and ancient restaurations. See...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Large Round Signed Nantucket Lightship Basket by Folger
Located in Nantucket, MA
10 ½” Open round Nantucket lightship basket with carved wooden oak ears with oak staves, handle and rim. The bottom is turned out of Pine and the interior is markedin ink with the or...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Rustic Large Folk Art Swedish Wood Bowl
Located in Farsta, SE
A big beautiful wooden bowl from 1900-century.
It has a light soft color and a smooth surface, at one time long ago small house-mices has eaten a way on the side. This ads character...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Birch
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Big Size Mexican Wood Tray
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A wonderful Antique big size Mexican hand carved wood t with wonderful patina.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Mexican White Enamel Bucket
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this antique Mexican white enamel bucket, circa 1940.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Chinese Painted Bamboo Walking Stick, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Folk Art Chair from Finland
Located in Farsta, SE
One of a kind
Folk Art chair from Finland
Acid-stained Pine
1930s
Consistent with age and use.
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Mexican Alms Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this early 20th century Mexican Alms box.
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Amazing Circa 1838 Folk art walking stick
Located in London, GB
Circa 1838 Folk art walking stick
An extremely rare and unusual commemorative walking stick. The main part of the stick is bamboo, with a grafted section of hardwood on the top wh...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Swedish Stump Chair
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Stump Chair
Made out of a single log of pine tree, made between in year 1680-1730.
Metal ribbon and nails added in late 1800 century.
Category
1690s Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Antique Scandinavian Round Storage Box “Tejne” Decorated Pine, Late 19th Century
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Large Antique Scandinavian storage box made from wood, made in the last half of 1800. It's most likely from Sweden or Denmark.
It's a so called "Tejne" made for storing and transp...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
20th C Original Painted Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th C original painted bank from Mexico. The bank is more Gray than the photos.
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Unusual Folk Art, Bespoke Billiard Themed Floor Lamp, 8-Ball, Modernist
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Folk Art, Bespoke Billiard Themed floor lamp.. 8-ball. Modernist, que sticks, Hand crafted, Shade measuring 16" in diameter.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Folk Art Wine, Alcohol Oak Cask, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
19th century Scandinavian wooden cask made of oak staves that are held together with iron banding.
Wonderful piece to add to your collection of Folk Art, early Scandinavian farm pr...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers, 10 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers.
Stamped: PATENT PACKAGE CO. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY. PAT'D AUG. 31, 1858. Lightweight hardwood construction. Ra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" oil on tin, circa 1920.
Category
1920s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
19th C English Field Artillery Ammunition Carrier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th C English Field Artillery Ammunition Carrier dating about 1850 - 1860. The carrier has painted canvas over a wood frame and heavy leather carring handle. The carrier is sta...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Scandinavian Folk Art Wooden Lidded Tankard, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
19th century Norwegian wood tankard painted with initials and dated 1865.
Wooden Lidded Tankard, made of staves that are held together with split-branch ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Trough/ Serving Bowl with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Antique wooden tray / serving bowl with untouched Original Paint from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
A large farmer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Original Old Painted Storage Basket, Hand Decorated
Located in Albignasego, IT
Original old painted alpine storage basket, hand decorated
Measures: Height 48 cm – Base diameter 39 cm – Top diameter 50 cm
Hand painted antique Tyrolean wooden tub. Entirely painted in a beautiful teal blue, on the edge it is decorated with a motif of red triangles while on the central bands are painted scenes of a wedding.
This accessory can have various uses, and given its medium size it can adapt to many environments. It can be used as an original blanket or magazine holder for the living room, or as a large vase filled with dried flowers, or as a pure decorative element, enhancing a corner of the house. Another idea could be to apply a removable cover in antique wood, thus transforming it into an entrance or living room table, or into a colorful bedside table...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Fir
Popular Art Shelf in Pine, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Popular art shelf in pine circa 1900
Measures: depth : 23 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
19th Century Carved Bull Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Carved and painted wood bull sign. Life size head with carved and painted details, real horns fitted to the head by lead sleeves. The top of the head fashioned from a thick sheath of...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Iron
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Located in Weiningen, CH
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Category
1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Raven Collection 19th Century Doll
Located in London, GB
The Raven collection 16th century Venetian doll
We are proud to offer an amazing museum quality 16th century Venetian doll still in its original linen and silk clothing. A wonderful...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Decorated Dutch Antique Copper Bowl / Pot with Lid, 18th Century, Dated 1750
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique copper bowl with lid, 18th century
Beautiful and richly decorated antique copper pot with lid with a very attractive decorated dec...
Category
18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper, Metal
Antique Ceramic Egg Shape Native American Hand Decorated Seed Pots, Set of 2
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of ceramic egg shape Native American seed pots. Each pot is ovular and egg-like in shape and features a small hole at the base of each pot. Pots like these were used to store ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Antique & Unique Early 1900s Dutch Folk Art Scale Model Windmill w. Light Inside
Located in Lisse, NL
One of a kind and good size scale model of an 18th century Dutch windmill.
With windmills being one of Holland's most famous landmarks one would think that you would find many antiq...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Zinc
African Hand Carved Mortar in Solid Wood Produced in Africa, ca Early 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful African mortar hand carved in solid wood with great patina and signs from age and use. Very decorative and unique.
Dimensions: He...
Category
1910s Ethiopian Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A superb Folk Art sailors valentine Tramp Art keepsake box. Wide in form, this beautiful Primitive wood carved box features the letters S and M with a heart between on both sides. Tw...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art antiquities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $1,255.
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Kitchen Wall Display
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Commodes With Flowers
Antique Glass Cabinet Pair
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Hand Painted Faux Marble
Dresser 9
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Door With Stained Glass
Geometric Wood Chest
Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Cabinet
Single Metal Door